The SitePoint Forums have moved.

You can now find them here.
This forum is now closed to new posts, but you can browse existing content.
You can find out more information about the move and how to open a new account (if necessary) here.
If you get stuck you can get support by emailing forums@sitepoint.com

If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Main Table of Webpage Alignment: Left or Center?

For example, say I have a 700 pixel wide main table for a web page, would you prefer it to be docked to the left of the screen or in the centre?

Please vote on the poll and give reasoning.

I ask this because up til now I've been creating web designs where the table is centre aligned, but I've seen a few web pages with the main table left aligned and just some 'space' with maybe a page background in the remaining space. It looks effective so I thought i'd try it...so I thought I'd ask you guys what you prefer .

this depends on the design - or in some cases, the client. but either is fine with me.

I've been known to use a background image that compliments the design in both centred and left-aligned sites. once again, down to the design. as there's no real usability issue here, i go with what i think looks best.

i'd consider an extension to the detail on the page, however this depends on the design in question - more adventurous schemes often best with designs that would generally be considered as less conventional.

failing that, small pixel patterns have made a bit of a come-back, having made their way from design inspiration sites to the commercial sector. however i'd advise only using them where it adds to the site, rather than detracts from it.

I have often come across sites that don't deal at all with scrolling. It appears as their SITE AS A WHOLE appears to be about 600px wide and about 400px height. Scott Weeks site is an example. Sorry, I don't know his URL, but he is a member here

I have often come across sites that don't deal at all with scrolling. It appears as their SITE AS A WHOLE appears to be about 600px wide and about 400px height. Scott Weeks site is an example. Sorry, I don't know his URL, but he is a member here

Well, the problem with no scrolling at all is that if you have a lot of content on your pages, not only would you have to make the font size small, but you'd need to use an iframe (yuck!) to avoid scrollbars on the main window.

Well, the problem with no scrolling at all is that if you have a lot of content on your pages, not only would you have to make the font size small, but you'd need to use an iframe (yuck!) to avoid scrollbars on the main window.

You don't need an iframe:

HTML Code:

<div style="overflow: auto; width: 200px; height: 150px;"><p>Lots of content here and a scrollbar will only appear if needed :)</p></div>